Board game device

ABSTRACT

A board game device is disclosed in which each player has a board and a plurality of game pieces which movably cooperate with a series of fixed locations on the board. The arrangement is such that when a game is being played, movement of the game pieces between the fixed locations depends on a value indicated by a thrown die. The game device includes a plurality of the boards which are substantially identical to each other so that several players can interactively play the game with each player being assigned one of the boards. Each board has a first surface and a second surface which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the first surface. The first surface of each board defines the series of fixed locations, the series including a base row for each of the player&#39;s game pieces. Each board defines a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion, the second interlocking portions being spaced relative the first interlocking portion. The interlocking portions are located such that the first interlocking portion of one of the boards releasably interlocks with the second interlocking portion of an adjacent board so that any number of players can join in and play the board game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a board game device.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a board game device in which each board interlocks with an adjacent board.

2. Background Information

The board game known as Aggravation is a game played by at least two players in which a board has a number of holes drilled therein. On the throw of a die, a player moves a game piece or playing piece such as a marble across the holes according to the value indicated by the die. The winner is the one that manages to place a set of marbles in the holes at a home location.

More specifically, each player places four marbles of the same color in four holes making a base row. A player is allowed to move one of that player's marbles to a starting hole on throwing a one or a six on the die. The player may not land on or overtake a marble having the same color but is permitted to overtake an opponent's marbles. If the die throw is such that it enables the player's marble to land on an opponent's marble, the opponent's marble must be returned to the opponent's base row again and the player then occupies the hole previously occupied by the opponent's marble. The object of the game is to complete a circuit in a clockwise direction until all four of the player's marbles are lined up on that player's home row.

However, a problem exists in that most board games only permit a certain maximum number of persons to play a game. For example, in the game of Aggravation, boards are printed which allow between four and six players to participate in the game. Therefore, some would be participants are not permitted to join in and play this game.

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems by the provision of a plurality of boards which interlocks with adjacent boards thus providing a board game in which any number of persons can participate in the game.

Additionally, by the provision of the interlocking boards according to the present invention, any number of players may participate in a game and nobody is left out.

Therefore, the primary feature of the present invention is the provision of a board game device that overcomes the problems associated with the prior art board game devices and makes a significant contribution to the board game art.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a board game device which enables any number of persons to join in playing the board game.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention contained herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a board game device in which each player has a board and a plurality of game pieces which movably cooperate with a series of fixed locations on the board. The arrangement is such that when a game is being played, movement of the game pieces between the fixed locations depends on a value indicated by a thrown die. The game device includes a plurality of boards which are substantially identical to each other so that several players can interactively play the game with each player being assigned one of the boards. Each board has a first surface and a second surface which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the first surface. The first surface of each board defines the series of fixed locations, the series including a base row for each of the player's game pieces. Each board defines a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion, the second interlocking portions being spaced relative the first interlocking portion. The interlocking portions are located such that the first interlocking portion of one of the boards releasably interlocks with the second interlocking portion of an adjacent board so that, when the game is being played, each board interlocks with an adjacent board. The arrangement is such that any number of players can play the board game and nobody needs to be left out of the game.

In a more specific embodiment of the present invention each board is fabricated from wood. However, the board could be fabricated from plastic, foam or metal or the like. Also, the first and second surfaces of the board are planar, the first surface being disposed at a distance within a range 0.25 inches to 1.00 inch from the second surface.

The series of fixed locations includes a base row, starting hole, a first group, a second group and a home group.

More specifically, the base row has four fixed locations with each of the four fixed locations being spaced relative to each other. The starting hole is disposed adjacent to the base row. The first group has six fixed locations with each of the six fixed locations being spaced relative to each other. The second group has seven fixed locations with each of the seven fixed locations being spaced relative to each other. Additionally, the home group has four fixed locations with each of the four fixed locations being spaced relative to each other.

Each fixed location is a hole defined by the first surface of the board and each game piece is of spherical configuration such that each game piece cooperates with and is removably retained within a corresponding hole defined by the board.

The first interlocking portion includes a post which extends from each board. Also, the second interlocking portion includes an aperture defined by each board such that the post rotatably cooperates with and extends into the aperture of an adjacent board so that pivotal movement of the board relative to the adjacent board is permitted.

The post is of circular cross sectional configuration and the aperture is of correspondingly circular cross sectional configuration for the reception therein of the post.

Additionally, the post and the aperture of the adjacent board have a common axis of rotation when interlocked together, the axis of rotation being normal to the first and second surfaces.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, each game piece is fabricated from a magnetic material. Furthermore, a magnetic portion is disposed within each of the holes. The arrangement is such that when a game piece is disposed adjacent to a corresponding hole, the game piece and the magnetic portion are attracted towards each other for reducing a possibility of accidental dislodgement of the plurality of game pieces from their respective fixed locations.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the game is that game which is known by the name Aggravation.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Included in such modifications would be the fabrication of the board from any suitable material such as plastic, foam, metal or the like. Also, the concept of the present invention could be applied to many other games such as marble shoot or the like. Furthermore, additional link pieces could be provided for joining adjacent boards together. Alternatively, each of the boards could be provided with ears in the vicinity of one or more of the interlocking portions for facilitating the interlocking together of adjacent boards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a board game device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 2-2 or FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 2. However, FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top plan view of one of the boards shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the board shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a link for another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

Also, similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different embodiments of the present invention but with an added suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a board game device generally designated 10 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the board game device 10 is such that each player has one of the boards 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 and a plurality of game pieces 20, 21, 22 and 23 which movably cooperate with a series of fixed locations 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45 on each of the boards such as the board 12. The game pieces 20-23 of a player are all of the same color this color being different from the colors of opponent's game pieces. The arrangement is such that when a game is being played, movement of the game pieces 20-23 between the fixed locations 24-45 depends on a value indicated by a thrown die. The boards 12-19 are substantially identical to each other so that several players, that is any number of players, can interactively play the game with each player being assigned one of the boards. As shown in FIG. 1 for example, there are eight players. Therefore, there are eight boards 12-19 that are used in this game.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 2-2 or FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, each board such as board 12 has a first surface 46 and a second surface 48 which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the first surface 46. The first surface 46 of each board such as board 12 defines the series of fixed locations 24-45. The series of fixed locations 24-45 includes a base row 50 for each of the player's game pieces 20-23. Each board such as board 12 defines a first interlocking portion generally designated 52 and a second interlocking portion 54, the second interlocking portion 54 being spaced relative the first interlocking portion 52. The interlocking portions 52 and 54 respectively are located such that the first interlocking portion 52 of one of the boards such as board 12 releasably interlocks with the second interlocking portion 54 of an adjacent board 13 so that, when the game is being played, each board 12-19 interlocks with an adjacent board so that any number of players are permitted to play the board game.

In a more specific embodiment of the present invention each board 12-19 is fabricated from wood.

Also, the first and second surfaces 46 and 48 respectively of the board 12 are planar, the first surface 46 being disposed at a distance D within a range 0.25 inches to 1.00 inch from the second surface 48.

As shown in FIG. 1. the series of fixed locations 24-45 includes a base row 50, a starting hole 28, a first group generally designated 58, a second group generally designated 60 and a home group generally designated 62.

More specifically, the base row 50 includes four fixed locations or holes 24, 25, 26 and 27 for the initial reception therein of game pieces 20-23. The starting hole 28 is disposed adjacent to the base row 50. The player is only allowed to move one of the game pieces 20-23 to the starting hole 28 when a one or a six is thrown. The first group 58 has six fixed locations 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 with each of the six fixed locations 29-34 being spaced relative to each other. The second group 60 has seven fixed locations 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 with each of the seven fixed locations 35-41 being spaced relative to each other. Also, the home group 62 has four fixed locations 42, 43, 44 and 45 with each of the four fixed locations 42-45 being spaced relative to each other.

Each fixed location 24-45 is a hole defined by the first surface 46 of the boards 12-19 and each game piece 20-23 is of spherical configuration such that each game piece such as the game piece 20 cooperates with and is removably retained within a corresponding hole such as 24 defined by the board 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first interlocking portion 52 includes a post 64 which extends from each board such as the board 12. Also, the second interlocking portion 54 includes an aperture 66 defined by each of the boards such as board 13 such that the post 64 of board 12 rotatably cooperates with and extends into the aperture 66 of the adjacent board 13 so that pivotal movement of the board 12 relative to the adjacent board 13 is permitted.

The post 64 is of circular cross sectional configuration and the aperture 66 is of correspondingly circular cross sectional configuration for the reception therein of the post 64.

Additionally, the post 64 and the aperture 66 have a common axis of rotation 68 when interlocked together, the axis of rotation 68 being normal to the first and second surfaces 46 and 48.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 2. However, FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, each game piece 20 a-23 a is fabricated from a magnetic material. Furthermore, a magnetic portion 70 is disposed within each of the holes or fixed locations 24 a-45 a. The arrangement is such that when a game piece such as game piece 20 a is disposed adjacent to a corresponding hole or fixed location 35 a of the board 13 as shown in FIG. 3, the game piece 20 a and the magnetic portion 70 disposed within the hole or fixed location 35 a of board 13 are attracted towards each other for reducing a possibility of accidental dislodgement of the plurality of game pieces 20 a-23 a from their respective fixed locations 24 a-45 a.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the game is that game which is known by the name Aggravation.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top plan view of the board 12 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the board 12 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the post 64 of board 12 extends downwardly from a first disposition approximately half way between the surfaces 46 and 48 to a second disposition about half way between the first disposition and the first surface 46 of the board 12. Accordingly, when the post 64 of the board 12 is interlocked with the post 64 extending into the aperture 66 of the adjacent board 13, a hole 35 of the board 13 is defined by the first surface 46 of the board 13 and the end 72 of the post 64 of the board 12.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a link for another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the link generally designated 100 defines a peg 102 and an opening 104 with a step 106 disposed between the peg 102 and the opening 104.

FIG. 8 is a view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, the peg 102 extends upwardly from a base 108 of the link 100. The opening 104 extends between a face 110 of the link 100 and a further face 112 of the link 100. The arrangement is such that the link 100 is disposed between adjacent boards such as boards 12 and 13 so that the peg 102 of link 100 cooperates with and extends into hole 35 of board 13 and the post 64 of board 12 cooperates and extends into opening 104 of link 100. The peg 102 and the opening 104 are of circular cross sectional configuration in order to permit pivotal movement between boards 12 and 13 and the link 100 when the link 100 is used to interlock boards 12 and 13.

In operation of the board game device 10, when it has been determined how many players are going to play the game, a board is assigned to each player. In FIG. 1, there are eight players. Accordingly, eight boards are used with one board assigned for use by each player. Before commencement of the game, the eight boards 12-19 are interlocked together with each post 64 interlocking with an aperture 66 of an adjacent board. The players then align their game pieces 20-23 within holes or fixed locations 24-27 of the base row 50.

The first player then throws a die (not shown) and moves any of the game pieces 20-23 to the starting hole 28 when that player throws a one or a six on the die. Accordingly, the game pieces move as indicated by the dotted arrow 74 shown in FIG. 1 from the starting hole 28 towards the home group 62 according to the value shown on the die. The next player then takes a turn and the player that is first to align the game pieces 20-23 within the holes 42-45 of the home group 62 is the winner of that game.

Additionally, if a player land on hole or fixed location 35 of any of the boards 12-19, such player is permitted to take a shortcut to that player's home row 62. The shortcut follows a clockwise circuit indicated by the arrow 76 in phantom outline shown in FIG. 1. By throwing a one, a player on the shortcut circuit 76 that player is for example permitted to move from hole 35 of board 13 to hole 35 of board 14 until the player reaches hole 35 of board 12 at which point the player will again follow the circuit 74 toward the home row 42-45 of board 12.

Although the present invention finds particular application to the game known as Aggravation, the concept of the invention is applicable to many other board games involving movement of game pieces along a course or circuit from a starting hole to a home location. As such, the present invention avoids the problem of having more potential players than the prior art board games could accommodate. A typical prior art board game will accommodate a maximum of six players. If there are potentially seven players, one of those players will be left out. However, in the board game according to the present invention, under the aforementioned scenario, all seven players can play because seven boards 12 to 18 can be interlocked together so that nobody is left out of the game.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a unique interlocking board game device which permits any number of players to participate in the game. 

1. A board game device in which each player has a board and a plurality of game pieces which movably cooperate with a series of fixed locations on the board, so that when a game is being played, movement of the game pieces between the fixed locations depends on a value indicated by a thrown die, said game device comprising: a plurality of the boards which are substantially identical to each other so that several players can interactively play the game, the arrangement being such that each player is assigned one of the boards; each board having a first surface and a second surface which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to said first surface; said first surface of each board defining the series of fixed locations, the series of fixed locations including a base row for each of the player's plurality of game pieces; and each board defining a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion, said second interlocking portions being spaced relative said first interlocking portion, said interlocking portions being located such that said first interlocking portion of one of said boards releasably interlocks with said second interlocking portion of an adjacent board so that, when the game is being played, each board interlocks with an adjacent board such that any number of players may join the game.
 2. A board game device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each board is fabricated from wood.
 3. A board game device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second surfaces are planar
 4. A board game device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first surface is disposed at a distance within a range 0.25 inches to 1.00 inch from said second surface.
 5. A board game device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the series of fixed locations includes: a base row; a starting hole; a first group; a second group; a home group.
 6. A board game device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said base row has four fixed locations, each of said four fixed locations being spaced relative to each other; said starting hole is disposed adjacent to said base row; said first group has six fixed locations, each of said six fixed locations being spaced relative to each other; said second group has seven fixed locations, each of said seven fixed locations being spaced relative to each other; said home group has four fixed locations, each of said four fixed locations being spaced relative to each other.
 7. A board game device as set forth in claim 6 wherein each fixed location is a hole defined by said first surface of said board.
 8. A board game device as set forth in claim 7 wherein each game piece is of spherical configuration such that each game piece cooperates with and is removably retained within a corresponding hole defined by the board.
 9. A board game device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first interlocking portion includes: a post extending from each board; said second interlocking portion includes: an aperture defined by each board such that said post rotatably cooperates with and extends into said aperture of said adjacent board so that pivotal movement of the board relative to said adjacent board is permitted.
 10. A board game device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said post is of circular cross sectional configuration; said aperture is of circular cross circular configuration for the reception therein of said post.
 11. A board game device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said post and said aperture have a common axis of rotation when interlocked together, said axis of rotation being normal to said first and second surfaces.
 12. A board game device as set forth in claim 8 wherein each game piece is fabricated from a magnetic material; a magnetic portion disposed within each of said holes such that when a game piece is disposed adjacent to a corresponding hole, said game piece and said magnetic portion are attracted towards each other for reducing a possibility of accidental dislodgement of the plurality of game pieces from their respective fixed locations.
 13. A board game device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the game is known by the name Aggravation.
 14. A board game device in which each player has a board and a plurality of game pieces which movably cooperate with a series of fixed locations on the board, so that when a game is being played, movement of the game pieces between the fixed locations depends on a value indicated by a thrown die, said game device comprising: a plurality of the boards which are substantially identical to each other so that several players can interactively play the game, the arrangement being such that each player is assigned one of the boards; each board having a first surface and a second surface which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to said first surface; said first surface of each board defining the series of fixed locations, the series of fixed locations including a base row for each of the player's plurality of game pieces; each board defining a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion, said second interlocking portions being spaced relative said first interlocking portion, said interlocking portions being located such that said first interlocking portion of one of said boards releasably interlocks with said second interlocking portion of an adjacent board so that, when the game is being played, each board interlocks with an adjacent board such that any number of players can participate and join in playing the board game; said first interlocking portion includes: a post extending from each board; and said second interlocking portion includes: an aperture defined by each board such that said post rotatably cooperates with and extends into said aperture of said adjacent board so that pivotal movement of the board relative to said adjacent board is permitted and so that any number of players can participate in the game.
 15. A board game device in which each player has a board and a plurality of game pieces which movably cooperate with a series of fixed locations on the board, so that when a game is being played, movement of the game pieces between the fixed locations depends on a value indicated by a thrown die, said game device comprising: a plurality of the boards which are substantially identical to each other so that several players can interactively play the game, the arrangement being such that each player is assigned one of the boards; each board having a first surface and a second surface which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to said first surface; said first surface of each board defining the series of fixed locations, the series of fixed locations including a base row for each of the player's plurality of game pieces; each board defining a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion, said second interlocking portions being spaced relative said first interlocking portion, said interlocking portions being located such that said first interlocking portion of one of said boards releasably interlocks with said second interlocking portion of an adjacent board so that, when the game is being played, each board interlocks with an adjacent board such any number of potential players can join together in playing the board game; each board being fabricated from wood; said first and second surfaces are planar; said first surface is disposed at a distance within a range 0.25 inches to 1.00 inch from said second surface; the series of fixed locations includes: a base row; a starting hole; a first group; a second group; a home group; said base row has four fixed locations, each of said four fixed locations being spaced relative to each other; said first group has six fixed locations, each of said six fixed locations being spaced relative to each other; said second group has seven fixed locations, each of said seven fixed locations being spaced relative to each other; said home group has four fixed locations, each of said four fixed locations being spaced relative to each other; each fixed location is a hole defined by said first surface of said board; each game piece is of spherical configuration such that each game piece cooperates with and is removably retained within a corresponding hole defined by the board; said first interlocking portion includes: a post extending from each board; said second interlocking portion includes: an aperture defined by each board such that said post rotatably cooperates with and extends into said aperture of said adjacent board so that pivotal movement of the board relative to said adjacent board is permitted; said post is of circular cross sectional configuration; said aperture is of circular cross circular configuration for the reception therein of said post; and said post and said aperture have a common axis of rotation when interlocked together, said axis of rotation being normal to said first and second surfaces. 